ST. THOMAS, VI — The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter hosted the annual African Liberation Day ceremony at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall.

Empress of Ceremonies Felicia Blake reminded the audience that Bill No. 18-0417, which was enacted as Act No. 5473, proclaims the third week in May as African Heritage Week. The third Friday in May shall be observed as African Liberation Day. The act was later amended to designate the 25th day in May as African Liberation Day.

The theme for this year is “Africa for Africans: Revolutionary Pan-Africanist Unity Across Borders in the Battle for Socialism against Imperialism.” The annual observance is the commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963. The Organization of African Unity later became the African Union on July 9, 2002. The ceremony opened with the traditional conch shell call to order, followed by a libation ceremony, honoring the ancestors. Various performances, including bamboula, music of the diaspora, and Anansi and Brunansi stories.

Senate President Milton E. Potter gave comments on the ceremony. “The blood, sweat, and dreams of our ancestors-brought here against their will-still flow through us. Our own journey as Virgin Islanders, striving for self-determination, justice, and equality, is a continuation of the great Pan-African struggle. We are heirs to a legacy of resistance and a duty to carry it forward.” Potter also stated that “true liberation is not just the absence of colonial rule. It is the presence of opportunity, of justice, of unity, and of hope. It is the right of every child to education, every family to security, every community to self-governance, and every nation to sovereignty. It is the power to determine our own futures, to build economies that serve our people, and to nurture cultures that reflect our highest values.”

Senators present at today’s ceremony included Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Avery L. Lewis, and Milton E. Potter.

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